County Named, 1819

Harlan County was named in 1819 for Major Silas Harlan, born in Virginia in 1752, who came to Kentucky in 1774. He built Harlan's Station in 1778, seven miles south of Harrodsburg on Salt River. In 1779 he commanded spies in the Illinois campaign of General George R. Clark, who said, "He was one of bravest soldiers that ever fought by my side." Harlan was killed in 1782 at the battle of Blue Licks while commanding his detachment and was buried at Blue Licks.

Harlan, Kentucky · United States